Hurricane Florence Update #7

Hurricane Florence Update #7
​September 13, 2018 -- 10:30 AM

Berkeley Electric Cooperative (BEC) has advised the Town that in the event that water levels threaten to flood its substations, the decision will be made to shut them down to avoid the potential for catastrophic damage. BEC is urging residents of the islands to prepare for extended power outages. This is especially important for residents who have medical needs requiring power. In the event of a power outage, BEC will not be able to provide a timeline for restoration until after the storm has passed and the damage to its system can be evaluated. The expected storm surge could result in coastal flooding which may close roadways and hinder BEC’s ability to respond to outages. Additionally, given that much of its distribution system is underground, crews will have to wait for flood waters to recede before beginning restoration efforts. Although this may be inconvenient, this process will actually speed up recovery.

BEC has indicated that it is fully staffed and prepared to handle any potential outages resulting from Hurricane Florence. It has also secured mutual aid from neighboring states to supply additional personnel as needed. Due to work safety, crews will not be able to begin restoration efforts until after sustained wind speeds are under 39 mph. During a major outage, BEC’s goal is to prioritize restoration of power to serve the largest number of residents possible. This may mean that individual residents could be without power for a longer period.

The Town urges residents to continue to monitor reporting of Hurricane Florence (e.g., www.nhc.noaa.gov) and emergency response agencies for changes pertaining to potential storm impacts. Information concerning residential hurricane preparations is available at the Town’s website (townofseabrookisland.org) under “Emergency Preparedness.” While forecasts of movement of Hurricane Florence currently indicate movement of the most severe impacts north of Charleston County, the Town encourages residents to adhere to the Governor’s evacuation 

For emergency response, please call 911.
 
For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900.
 
For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:

• Continue to monitor the town's website at townofseabrookisland.org
• Call our toll free number at (888) 314-3177
• Follow the town's Twitter feed at twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Follow the town's Facebook page at facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.
 
It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Thursday, 13 September.